Nine Spots for Dinner & Drinks While Cruising the Gulf Coast

When many think of the Flora-Bama, they think of the legendary roadhouse. But, across the street is one of the best spots to stop on your voyage – Flora-Bama Yacht Club. You can beach your boat on the sand to experience the bar’s famous bushwacker, creative menu items, and daily live music.

OSO at Bear Point Harbor is new to the island and is quickly becoming a hot spot for locals. You can easily dock your vessel here to grab a drink and a bite to eat. Both their drink and food menus are robust, giving you plenty of options. You’re also likely to come across local musicians performing at their outdoor bar.

Located in Elberta, you can easily access the island-famous Pirate’s Cove from the back bays in Orange Beach. Since 1957, this whole-in-the-wall has been serving boaters juicy burgers and tasty bushwackers. Stop by for a break or spend the whole day here lounging on your boat.

You can dock your boat right up to the shoreline at Avenue Pub, located on Terry Cove in Orange Beach. Whether you want to get your day on the water started with a Bloody Mary or want to end it with a seasonal bushwhacker and exceptional hors d’oeuvres offerings, your thirst is sure to be quenched when you make a stop at Anchor.

A local’s watering hole, Pleasure Island Tiki Bar is one of the best places for boaters to stop for an ice-cold drink. They’re always serving up frozen cocktails and locally- and regionally-crafted beer. Their food menu is filled with quick bites such as fried shrimp, chicken tenders and tacos so you can fuel up for the rest of your boat day.

Whether you’re coming back in from a day fishing in the Gulf or cruising down the back bays, Cobalt is a great spot to grab a quick cocktail. You’ll find contemporary coastal cuisine, delicious drinks and live music. They have numerous boat slips available for small and medium vessels.

Located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Gulf Shores is one of the most popular waterfront restaurants on the island – Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s. Pull your boat right up to the dock to enjoy the array of delicious food, frozen cocktails, live music, games and other attractions that are available at LuLu’s. 

Nestled within Waterway Village sits Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores’ location. The restaurant offers easy boat parking and phenomenal views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Serving drinks and food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s never a wrong time to cruise over to Tacky Jacks. They also have a boat-friendly location in Orange Beach.

If you’re looking for a spot to grab some food and drinks to-go by water, head on over to The Flying Harpoon. Locals are regularly here sipping on drinks and digging into one of their acclaimed po’boys. While you’re picking up your food and fare, be sure to chat up one of the locals at the bar to find out where you should go next.